PACHISI RULES

FILE #005 • GAME MANUAL

Objective

Move all 4 pieces from the Charkoni (center), around the cruciform board (96 squares), and back to the Charkoni. First player/team to return all pieces wins.

Cowrie Shell Dice

Six cowrie shells are thrown. Count how many land with the mouth facing up:

  • 0 mouths up = 25 (Grace)
  • 1 mouth up = 10 (Grace)
  • 2 mouths up = 2
  • 3 mouths up = 3
  • 4 mouths up = 4
  • 5 mouths up = 5
  • 6 mouths up = 12 (Grace)

Grace Rolls

Grace throws (0, 1, or 6 mouths) grant three privileges:

  1. Entry: Only Grace allows entering from Charkoni onto the board
  2. Re-throw: Move, then immediately roll again (extra turn)
  3. Split (advanced): Divide the value between multiple pieces

Blockades

When 2+ pieces of the same color occupy a square, they form a blockade:

  • Blockades are invulnerable (cannot be captured)
  • Opponents cannot pass through blockades
  • Strategic blockades can trap opponents behind walls

Castle Squares

12 Castle squares (marked with special symbols) are safe zones. Pieces on castles cannot be captured.

Capturing

Landing on an opponent's piece (except on Castle or Blockade) captures it. Captured pieces return to Charkoni and must re-enter with a Grace roll.

Partnership Mode

In 4-player games, opposite corners form teams: Green+Red vs Yellow+Blue. Partners cooperate and share the victory condition.